Showing posts with label Grants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grants. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Rob Wittman: Weekly Update - How Can I Help You?

English:
English: (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

From Prince William County to Hampton Roads, I serve some of the strongest communities in the Commonwealth, and I am humbled every day to work for the people of Virginia’s First District. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I truly believe that my primary responsibility is to represent the interests of the men and women who’ve elected me, and I can only do that with your continued input and feedback.

Whether I’m advocating for our federal workers and service members—both during and after their service—or strengthening our economy by preserving the Chesapeake Bay and our other natural resources, I am committed to advancing commonsense policies that further Virginia’s legislative priorities. But that isn’t all that I do. My office is also here to help in more specific ways—by assisting with grant applications and federal agency issues, providing military service academy nominations, offering internships, and even scheduling tours of the Capitol and other landmarks and monuments here in Washington, D.C.

Below is a more comprehensive list of the constituent services I provide through my offices in Stafford, Tappahannock, Yorktown, and Washington. Please reach out to let me know how I can serve you better. I look forward to hearing from you.

Help With a Federal Agency
As a U.S. representative, one of the most important things that I do is help constituents who are having issues with federal agencies. While I cannot override final decisions made by federal agencies, my office can help with communication, information, status updates, and even requests for agency reconsideration.

Grants and Federal Domestic Assistance
My office provides information about grants as well as a list of resources that de-mystify the grant application process.


Student Financial Aid
I’ve teamed up with the Department of Education to provide high school and college students and parents in Virginia’s First District with information and financial aid options for higher education. See my website or contact my offices for more information.


Military Service Academy Nominations
I have the privilege each year of nominating a number of determined and hard-working young men and women to four of our nation’s five service academies. You can find a preliminary online application here or contact my Yorktown office for more information.

Congressional Internships
We offer a number of internships to First District students who are interested in policy, public service, and political communications. If you or someone you know is interested, contact any one of my offices to learn more.

Tour Requests
Not only do we offer tours of the Capitol through our Washington, D.C. office, but we can also help you schedule tours of the White House, the Library of Congress, and other national landmarks and monuments. Let us know how we can make your visit to D.C. even better!

American Flag Requests
Having a flag flown over the Capitol is a great way to honor an event or the memory of a loved one, and my office is happy to facilitate that. Click here or contact my Washington, D.C. office to purchase a flag and include a personal message.

The main streets of Virginia’s First District are full of ideas to get our economy back on track, and your feedback is critically important to me as I serve you. I can be reached by telephone at (202) 225-4261, through my website (www.wittman.house.gov), on Facebook (www.facebook.com/reprobwittman), and via Twitter (www.twitter.com/robwittman).

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Federal Grants to Help 6,000 Students Gain Access to Higher Education

English: The United States Department of Educa...
English: The United States Department of Education headquarters located in Washington, D.C. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND — Today Governor McAuliffe announced that Virginia is one of just ten states awarded federal funds through the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education.  

“Expanding access to post-secondary education in every corner of the Commonwealth is key to building a new Virginia economy,” said Governor McAuliffe. “These grants will help my administration work with schools and communities to prepare more low-income students to get the skills and training they need to succeed in the 21st Century economy.”

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) will administer the $22 million grant over the next seven years in an effort to increase preparation and enrollment for post-secondary education. State GEAR UP grants are designed to increase college attendance and completion by raising low-income student awareness of college and financial aid options, increasing their participation in academically challenging courses and supporting them through the college admissions process. Successful GEAR UP students also receive a scholarship to support their post-secondary pursuits.

GEAR UP Virginia Programming will begin serving nearly 6,000 seventh grade students in 16 school districts this year. The program will follow this group of students through high school and into their first year of college.

Through partnerships with school districts, colleges, non-profits, and businesses, the project will provide a comprehensive set of services to include tutoring, test preparation, summer bridge programs, college tours and study skills development. In addition, the GEAR UP Virginia grants will offer support services to 300 homeless youth in a pilot initiative to offer turning point services to students who find themselves in this situation during their senior year.

“Greater access to continued education after high school is crucial to a successful citizenry and workforce,” said SCHEV Director Peter Blake.“A program like GEAR UP with a track record of success is a perfect match with SCHEV’s goals.”    

SCHEV is the Commonwealth’s coordinating body for Virginia’s system of higher education. The agency provides policy guidance and budget recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly, and is a resource for information on higher education issues.


Monday, September 22, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Matching Tourism Grants

Program will generate more than $3 million in marketing initiatives
46 local tourism partners to receive public-private marketing dollars to bolster economy; grants will impact at least 195 statewide tourism entities

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that more than $852,000 in matching grant funds will be awarded to 46 local tourism initiatives as part of Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) Marketing Leverage Program. The grants are designed to help local and regional tourism entities attract more visitors by leveraging local marketing dollars, and will ultimately impact at least 195 other statewide tourism entities. The local organizations match the state grant funds by a minimum of 2:1 in order to support marketing projects. This funding cycle, the local partners will match the VTC grant dollars with more than $2.1 million, providing more than $3 million in new marketing to increase visitation to Virginia.

“These grants equip local tourism businesses with the tools they need to stay competitive,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The Marketing Leverage Program grants help support and grow a robust and diversified new Virginia economy and encourage strategic marketing of tourism products and businesses across the Commonwealth, generating revenue and jobs.”

Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia. In 2013, tourism generated $21.5 billion in revenue, supported 213,000 jobs and provided $1.42 billion in state and local taxes. Dollars invested in tourism are proven to provide a 5:1 return in tax revenue for Virginia, and the grant awards and matching funds provide a stimulus to localities seeking to increase tourism visitation and revenue.

VTC’s Marketing Leverage Program is designed to increase visitor spending by leveraging limited marketing dollars, stimulating new tourism marketing through partnerships, and extending the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand.  A minimum of three Virginia entities must partner financially to apply for a grant.  Partners may consist of Virginia cities, towns, counties, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, other local or regional destination marketing organizations, private businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other not-for-profit entities.  In total, VTC awards approximately $1.7 million annually - matched and leveraged on average 3:1 by partner dollars.

“The grants are supporting businesses across the Commonwealth, contributing to the overall economic health of our communities,” said Maurice Jones, Secretary of Commerce and Trade.“The state’s investment maximizes local marketing funds, allowing for localities to double and sometimes triple their marketing power to attract more visitors. This is a powerful tool for small businesses across the state.”

Details on the grant awards are below. The next round of VTC Marketing Leverage Program grants will open September 29, 2014. Localities interested in applying may visit www.vatc.org for more information.






Grant Program Name


Lead Partner


Award Amount



Capture the Clinch


Clinch River Adventures


$9,895.00



Bush Mill: Millstones, Mountains, Memories


Southwest Virginia Community Foundation


$2,500.00



Music, Milk & Marketing


Lee County


$5,125.00



Shenandoah Valley Kids Trail


Great Country Farms


$50,000.00



America's Historic Triangle Marketing Program


Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Inc


$50,000.00



This is RVA Launch


Valentine Richmond History Center


$5,000.00



Virginia By Rail


VisitNorfolk


$7,500.00



Humpback Bridge - History Over the Water


Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism


$10,000.00



Claw of the Dragon Southwest Virginia Motorcycle Trail


Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau


$50,000.00



"Heart Rate" Campaign


Heart of Appalachia


$50,000.00



What's Your Bot-e-Type? Social Media Campaign


Botetourt County Office of Tourism


$30,500.00



Authentic Abingdon Overnight: Experience Culture, Make Memories


Barter Theatre


$25,000.00



Blue Ridge Standard Time Campaign


Roanoke Valley CVB


$50,000.00



Middlesex County Marketing Initiative


Middlesex County


$7,400.00



Historic Downtown Wytheville - Where the LOVE is!


Bolling Wilson Hotel


$50,000.00



My Bristol Visit


Bristol Convention & Visitors Bureau


$27,340.00



More of What Matters Campaign


Mecklenburg County Tourism Office


$11,716.50



Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival


Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest


$5,000.00



New River Valley Trail Guide


New River Valley Planning District Commission


$3,000.00



Rappahannock River Community Branding


Town of Kilmarnock


$13,300.00



Bluegrass, Barbecue & Brew Festival at Patrick Henry's Red Hill


Red Hill, Patrick Henry National Memorial


$3,057.00



Hunter's Raid Civil War Trail


Lexington and Rockbridge Area Tourism


$3,500.00



Believe in Bristol Digital Marketing Platform


Believe in Bristol


$10,000.00



Find Your Sweet Spot In Highland County


Highland County Economic Development Authority


$6,500.00



Virginia Science Festival


Science Museum of Western Virginia


$24,707.50



Fall Oyster Fests on Virginia's Eastern Shore


Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission


$4,750.00



Route 5 Tourism Website and Take 5! Marketing Campaign


The Route 5 Corridor Coalition


$3,124.50



Richmond Garden Trail


Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden


$2,900.00



Promoting the Shenandoah Valley as a Green Wedding Destination


Hermitage Hill Farm & Stables


$5,000.00



Virginia is for "Opera" Lovers


Virginia Opera


$50,000.00



Salvage Dawgs Weekend Getaway


Black Dog Salvage


$4,750.00



Smith Mountain Lake Online Marketing and Responsive Website


Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce


$9,878.00



Tom Tom Founders Festival


Tom Tom Foundation


$50,000.00



Explore the Depths…Newport News Museums Revealed!


The Mariners' Museum


$10,000.00



Declare Your Independence with a Northern Neck Getaway


Stratford Hall - the Robert E. Lee Memorial Association


$10,000.00



"Come Play Outdoors!" Shenandoah County Outdoor Recreation


Shenandoah County


$4,760.00



Big Stone Gap The Movie Regional Promotion Phase II


Town of Big Stone Gap


$12,580.50



It’s Always Playtime in Abingdon - TV and Digital Campaign


Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau


$50,000.00



Northern Virginia Canadian Marketing Campaign


Northern Virginia Visitors Consortium


$9,375.00



Engaging Visitors all Across Virginia's Artisan and Oyster Trails


Artisan Center of Virginia


$23,225.00



Bringing Castleton to the World


Castleton Festival


$50,000.00



Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k Marketing Initiative


Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers


$25,000.00



Choose Your Own (Staunton) Adventure


American Shakespeare Center


$3,627.00



Find Yourself in the Heart of Southwest Virginia


Russell County Board of Supervisors


$5,000.00



Virginia Fall Foliage Art Show


Fall Foliage Festival Art Show


$4,650.00



NoVa Loves the Blues


Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization


$2,750.00







Thursday, January 2, 2014

Governor McDonnell Announces Matching Tourism Grants, Gloucester Gets Nothing

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
English: The state seal of Virginia.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Program will generate nearly $4 million in marketing initiatives
42 local tourism partners to receive public-private marketing dollars to bolster economy; grants will impact at least 184 statewide tourism entities

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that more than $750,000 in matching grant funds will be awarded to 42 local tourism initiatives as part of Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) Marketing Leverage Grant program. The grants are designed to help local and regional tourism entities attract more visitors by leveraging local marketing dollars, and will ultimately impact at least 184 other statewide tourism entities. The local organizations match the state grant funds by a minimum of 2:1 in order to support marketing projects. This funding cycle, the local partners will match the VTC grant dollars with nearly $3 million, providing nearly $4 million total in new marketing to increase visitation to Virginia.

“These grants are an important tool that will enable our localities to more effectively market themselves to potential visitors,” said Governor McDonnell. “More visitors in Virginia mean greater tax revenue, a better business environment, and more good jobs for Virginians.”

Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia. In 2012 tourism generated $21.2 billion in revenue, supported 210,000 jobs and provided $1.36 billion in state and local taxes. Dollars invested in tourism are proven to provide a 5:1 return in tax revenue for Virginia, and the grant awards and matching funds provide a stimulus to localities seeking to increase tourism visitation and revenue.

VTC’s Marketing Leverage Program is designed to increase visitor spending by leveraging limited marketing dollars, stimulating new tourism marketing through partnerships, and extending the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand.  A minimum of three Virginia entities must partner financially to apply for a grant.  Partners may consist of Virginia cities, towns, counties, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, other local or regional destination marketing organizations, private businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other not-for-profit entities.  In total, VTC awards approximately $1.7 million annually - matched and leveraged on average 3:1 by partner dollars - to more than 80 communities across the Commonwealth.

“These grants enable local tourism partners to pursue projects that might otherwise be beyond their budget,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “The Marketing Leverage Grants program is a powerful tool in helping to support and grow a robust economy in Virginia. Our local partners are working on amazing projects and campaigns that will help to beautify communities, bring more visitors to Virginia, and create even more outstanding tourism products that visitors will continue to fall in love with year after year.”

Details on the grant awards are below. The next round of VTC Marketing Leverage Program grants will open in spring 2014. Localities interested in applying may visit www.vatc.org for more information.

Organization
Project
Amount
Town of Big Stone Gap
Big Stone Gap The Movie Regional Promotion
$ 5,000.00
Garth Newel Music Center
Great Escapes: Garth Newel Music Center and Fort Lewis Lodge
$ 25,000.00
Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau
Create Repeat Visitation Through Stellar Customer Service
$ 50,000.00
Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority
Appalachian Backroads - Motorcycle & Scenic Driving Tours/Trails
$ 10,000.00
City of Salem-Tourism Office
Summer Love in Salem
$ 50,000.00
Museum of the Confederacy
Countdown to the Sesquicentennial
$ 14,500.00
Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Fun for Everyone: Festivals & Events in the Wytheville Area
$ 50,000.00
Montgomery County Regional Tourism Office
Content Creation for Inaugural Montgomery County Regional Website and Visitor's Guide
$ 20,000.00
Virginia Arts Festival
Engage, Inspire, Build - Embracing Social & Digital Media to Expand Audiences
$ 50,000.00
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District 2014-2016 Marketing Campaign
$ 25,360.00
Friends of the Culpeper County Library
Culpeper Tells…A Festival of Words
$ 8,750.00
The Crooked Road
Miles & Miles of Music Festival
$ 50,000.00
Surry County Government
Branding Surry County: Yes, Virginia, There is a Surry County

$ 50,000.00
Appalachian Sustainable Development
Get Rooted in Appalachia - Local Food Campaign
$ 31,900.00
Visit Loudoun Foundation
Visit Loudoun Research Program
$ 25,860.00
Paralyzed Veterans of America, Mid-Atlantic Chapter
The Richmond Regional Ride Center (RRRC)
$ 10,000.00
Halifax County Dept. of Tourism
Halifax-Mecklenburg Blueway
$ 10,000.00
City of Alexandria, Office of Historic Alexandria
Alexandria War of 1812 Commemoration
$ 10,000.00
County of Mecklenburg
Petersburg to Appomattox Campaign
$ 13,500.00
Abingdon Main Street
Shop, Dine, Play and Stay Downtown
$ 5,000.00
Waynesboro Parks and Recreation
Valley Race Series Promotion
$ 2,500.00
Historic Manassas Inc
Visitmanassas.org Website Makeover
$ 4,250.00
Martinsville-Henry County EDC's Tourism & Film Division
Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia: A Visual Tour
$ 3,516.50
Smyth County Tourism Association
Southwest Virginia Flyfishing Trail
$ 15,310.33
Visit Loudoun
Epicurience Virginia
$ 50,000.00
Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center
Luray and Page County: Beauty and Adventure on Every Level
$ 25,000.00
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
87th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival ‘The Land of Pink & Green!’
$ 25,000.00
Rassawek Vineyard
Visit Goochland/Rassawek Spring Jubilee
$ 2,500.00
Starr Hill Brewery LLC
Starr Hill Brewery 2013 Marketing and Events Program
$ 25,000.00
City of Poquoson
Poquoson is the Place for Tourism
$ 2,557.50
VistaGraphics
Coastal Virginia Wine Fest
$ 12,500.00
Out of the Woodwork Productions
The Virginia Renaissance Faire Marketing for 2013-14
$ 4,988.27
Mountain Cove Vineyard
Jefferson Heritage Trail
$ 5,000.00
Virginia Highland Festival
Get Your Kicks
$ 6,281.50
Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission
Fields of Gold - Shenandoah Valley's Farm Trail
$ 3,250.00
Ashland Main Street Association
Find Your Passion in Ashland: The Center of Universe
$ 5,000.00
ESVAF Inc
Tall Ships at Cape Charles Festival 2014
$ 5,000.00
Madison Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
Madison County Tourism “Ride, Hike, Taste, Stay”
$ 5,000.00
The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce
Good Times, Tastes & Traditions; featuring Farming in the Valley
$ 5,000.00
Orange Downtown Alliance
edible Food Fest in Orange
$ 5,000.00
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center
Tennis is for Lovers in Virginia Beach
$ 25,000.00
Cove Ridge Foundation
Virginia Is For Lovers of Southwest Virginia Mountain Parks
$ 2,500.00

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Visit www.Virginia.org to start planning a vacation or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.

Our Notes:

We have noticed that Gloucester, VA did not get one penny for matching funds from the state?  One has to wonder why?  Did local officials fail to apply?  Did local officials apply but because of activities we constantly report on here the county was refused matching funds for their lack of compliance in so many areas?  We think these are valid questions to ask.  It looks like the county missed out on some very serious money and opportunities to pull in additional revenue for the county.  One has to wonder.
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